EQUIVALENT FRACTIONS:

Often fractions do not appear to be the same, but they do in fact represent equal parts of a whole object!


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This diagram shows that 1/2 is equal to 2/4 which is also equal to 4/8!
We can see this because the coloured areas of the circle are identical.
Click on the link below to view a video on comparing fractions!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEyTZKeeRPg&feature=player_embedded


TASK:

Your task now is to draw your own example of equivalent fraction using either a pie graph or a fraction wall. The correct and best looking diagram wins a prize!
You may use the equivalent fraction bar below for inspiration!
The handy Equivalence Fraction Bar! :)
http://www.freewebs.com/weddell/fractions%20of%202%20bars.swf





Comparing Fractions


If two fractions have the same denominator, it is clear which fraction in bigger. For example:
........................ 2/8 of a pizza is obviously more pizza than 1/8 of a pizza.
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Comparing fractions with different denominators

To compare fractions with different denominators, we need to find equivalent fraction which have the same denominator. It is simplest to find the lowest common denominator (LCD). The LCD is the lowest common multiple (LCM) of the denominators.

To compare 3/5 and 4/7 we first find the LCM of 5 and 7.
Multiples:
5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35.
7: 7, 14, 21, 28, 35.
LCM: 35

To make the denominator equal 35, we multiply the denominator of the first fraction (5) by 7 which equals 35.
We also then multiply the numerator (3) by 7 which equals 21.
Therefore = 21/35

Next, to make the denominator equal 35, we multiply the denominator of the second fraction (7) by 5 which equals 35.
We also then multiply the numerator (4) by 5 which equals 20.
Therefore = 20/35

Now that both fractions have equal denominators (fractions are equivalent), we can compare them! It is evident that 21/35 is more than 20/35.
Therefore: 3/5 > 4/7
Symdols used in comparing fractions
< = less than
> = more than
= means they are equal to each other


Click on the link below to understand more! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rE-2wPdD30

Now its your turn!

You may work in groups or on your own for these questions :)

1) Draw a number line and show the positions of the following fractions:
2/4, 4/12, 1/3, 3/9.

What did you notice about these fractions?


2) Write down each of these lists in ascending order:
a) 2/3, 5/6, 7/8, 1/2, 3/4, 10/11

b) 4/7, 1, 7/11, 6/7, 7/8, 0

c) 4/7, 3/9, 2/3, 1, 11/21, 45/63


3) Write three fractions that are greater than 3/7 and less than 4/7.


4) Jason was compairing his last two spelling test results, 17/20 and 43/50. Which results produced the higher score?


Click on the link below to compare fractions the fun way! ..
http://www.mathplayground.com/fractions_compare.html
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